Hands and a credit card are pictured in this photograph. (Associated Press file photo)

Once, almost exactly a year ago, I willingly gave up some of my personal information (well, my work information) to an incredibly shady-looking operation.

And it has been a source of joy ever since.

I haven’t gotten as many phone calls asking to speak with Santa Claus as I’d like — there have been a couple — but every once in a while I get a call that most likely arrives only because my information got sold long ago.

Today was one such day.

When I picked up the phone and said, “Denver Post, Dave Burdick,” as I usually do, it was one of those calls where it clicks in only after you’ve said something. So suddenly I heard the hum of a call center and a South Asian-accented voice saying, “Hello?”

He informed me that he was calling from Microsoft, and that there was reason to believe that my computer had recently been compromised by the internet hackers.

Business is personal. And it impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives. From keeping a household budget to planning for retirement, to getting (and keeping) a job or just putting up with annoying guy in the next cubicle — we've got a lot on our minds, and Personal Interest wants to help you sort it all out. We're bringing together the Denver Post $mart Editor with variety of experts from the local business community. We've asked them to offer tips, advice and general observations aimed at making the business of everyday life a bit easier to manager. Note: The bloggers were selected for their expertise, but their opinions are solely their own. While many operate their own businesses or consulting firms, we are not endorsing or advocating their businesses.